20 Dec Style advice from London-based fashion influencer Tati Kapaya
In a world filled with ever-changing trends, the ability to express yourself and your individuality through style is extremely important. That’s why Specsavers has partnered with London-based content creator and digital marketing consultant, Tati Kapaya from Chelmsford, whose style journey is all about embracing your uniqueness and taking inspiration from your passions.
Specsavers is committed to helping people express their individuality and finding a style suited to them, and they wanted to find out exactly how Tati expresses her own style in the world of fashion.
Q: What does style mean to you?
Style is all about being comfortable and expressing who you are to the world, and for me, I do this through fashion. A lot of my style reflects my upbringing as it blends together different aesthetics I have enjoyed over the years.
I grew up playing tennis and still to this day, I weave athleisure into my fashion, inspired by the sporty aesthetics I was surrounded by during my younger years. Similarly, as I attended university, I began to add preppy elements to my style which are still present in my everyday looks. All the experiences I went through growing up have contributed to my style to this day.
Q: How long have you been interested in fashion?
I would say that my interest in fashion has evolved over the years. Before university, I would follow trends that I saw online rather than think about the style I personally enjoy. Over the years, I started to ignore the latest trends, instead taking inspiration from things that I’m passionate about, such as the TV show ‘Friends’. I have also learnt more about sustainability and as a result, have become more invested in finding pieces that not only speak to me but are good for the environment.
Q: How does fashion allow you to express your style?
I think it’s important for everyone to have their own individual style and in this digital age, our clothing is often the only resource we have to showcase our identity and tell people who we are. This is why I take such inspiration from my upbringing and my passions and express this through my fashion. For example, I love the TV show ‘Friends’ and parts of my style take inspiration from the 90s fashion we see in the show, especially from Rachel, Monica and Chandler. For me, expressing your own personal style through fashion is extremely important for self-discovery as well as for your confidence.
Q: What advice would you give others interested in fashion and expressing their style?
I would encourage everyone to look beyond the trends and explore your own unique style. Everyone is different and the only way you can discover your personal style is by taking a step back from what you’re seeing on social media and giving your brain the space to delve into that. I recommend using Pinterest as it’s a great tool for discovering what aesthetics speak to you, but also allows you to look at your interests, favourite films and TV shows, as well as what your values are. For example, sustainability means a lot to me and that is mirrored in my fashion.
Q: How does being expressive with your style make you feel?
It is a confidence boost for sure. When you dress authentically to your own style and stop following trends that other people like, it makes you feel more comfortable in your own body and that radiates confidence. Dressing the way that you want to dress is a powerful tool to lift your mood, rather than basing it on what other people think.
Q: What are your top three styling tips?
I would always recommend layering to anyone looking to change their style. Whether it is summer or autumn, building an outfit through layering can be incredibly powerful. I also love the concept of a capsule wardrobe. I enjoy sticking to classic staples that you can dress up or down for any occasion. These are staples which will carry you over the years and never go out of trend. My go-to staples include a classic trouser, whether that be black, blue or denim, and a white shirt and sweater.
My final tip would be to think about how much use you will get out of a product before buying it. Not only are you saving yourself money but you’re also helping the environment.
Q: Specsavers promotes their ‘style for you’ messaging which encourages individuality and helping to find the right style to suit you – how important do you think it is for people to find their own style?
I completely agree with this messaging, and I think it is incredibly important for people to find their own style. We’re currently living in a world that is dominated by viral trends and digital interactions and I think in this circumstance our clothing becomes our voice. Finding the right style for you is a journey of self-discovery and an expression that everyone should experience.
Q: Do you like to express your style with eyewear/glasses?
Absolutely. For me, eyewear is such an underrated accessory as it can completely transform an outfit. I wear a variety, from reading glasses to sunglasses, and the various types of eyewear on offer means you will always find a pair no matter your style or personality. I love to rotate my eyewear, so I have rounded reading glasses for a preppy vibe or a square option for a 90s look. It depends on my mood and the outfit.
Q: What are your thoughts on the geometrics trend and how would you incorporate it into fashion?
I love the geometric fashion trend. As someone who wears glasses constantly, I tend to lean towards the hexagonal shape which adds to my preppy aesthetic. I think they are extremely versatile and can be seamlessly incorporated into various clothing aesthetics, meaning everyone can adapt it to their personal style.
Q: How does your style change during the festive season? Any fashion advice for the readers?
Because of my capsule wardrobe, my style tends to stay consistent, but as we enter the winter months, I love to switch up the colours. I’ll always add pops of red during the festive season.
Layering is also key during these colder periods of the year. I love adding a cardigan or trench coat to elevate a look whilst keeping warm. I would also recommend never leaving the house without a trusty pair of thermals.
